Xylitol — Popular Sweetener That Can Be Deadly to Your Dog

Mike Sagman

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Mike Sagman
Mike Sagman

Mike Sagman

Founder

Dr Mike Sagman is the creator of the Dog Food Advisor. He founded the website in 2008, after his unquestioning trust in commercial dog food led to the tragic death of his dog Penny.

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Updated: September 27, 2023

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Xylitol is a popular artificial sweetener that can be deadly to your dog. It can also be listed as “birch sugar” on a food product label.

According to the Food and Drug Administration, the accidental consumption of xylitol by a dog can cause a sudden and life-threatening drop in blood sugar, seizures, liver failure and… death

To help warn dog owners, the FDA has created the following video:

What Products Contain Xylitol?

Food products that may contain xylitol include certain brands of peanut butter… which can sometimes be used as a tasty “stuffing” for Kongs® and other chewable dog toys.

Other products that may contain xylitol include:

  • Chewing gum
  • Peanut butter
  • Breath mints
  • Mouthwash
  • Candies
  • Toothpaste
  • Baked goods
  • Tooth whiteners
  • Chewable vitamins
  • Sugar-free desserts (like “skinny” ice cream)

Brands with a Prior History of Xylitol Content

The following brands have previously been known to contain xylitol. Some of these products may no longer contain the toxic sweetener. So, be sure to check the ingredients of each item listed.

  • Orbit®
  • Trident®
  • Icebreakers®
  • Stride®
  • Pure®
  • Mentos®
  • Spry®
  • Go Nuts1
  • Nuts ‘N More2
  • Hank’s Protein Plus3
  • P28 Foods High Protein Spread4
  • Krush Nutrition Nutty by Nature5
  • Xylimax
  • Xylishield
  • Spry Mints
  • Spry Chewing Gum
  • Xlear Nasal Spray
  • Nicorette Gum
  • Xylichew Gum
  • Ricochet

This list is not complete. Consumers are cautioned to read the labels of all products before bringing them into any environment shared with dogs.



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